Ecology of Cladonia lichens. III. Comparison of C. caroliniana, endemic to southeastern North America, with three northern Cladonia species

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Abstract
The net CO2 exchange responses of C. caroliniana in the fall to light, thallus temperature, and thallus relative water content were determined. Cladonia caroliniana responses were compared with three northern Cladonia: C. mitis, C. rangiferina, and C. uncialis. The eco-physiological characteristics of the four species provide some intuitive understanding of their biogeography and their microhabitat selection on the Wisconsin Pine Barrens. The temperature dependence of net photosynthesis of the four species correlates with their distributional relations. Cladonia caroliniana is physiologically adapted to higher temperatures than the three northern species. The limitations of this intuitive comparison are discussed and a quantitative alternative suggested.

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